Job losses at Kepak as ‘Slow Cooked’ product to be discontinued

Job losses are being experienced at Kepak in Watergrasshill as part of the decision to discontinue the supply of ‘Slow Cooked’ products into the UK.

It is believed that around 120 jobs are to be affected by the phased discontinuation, which comes following a comprehensive strategic review.

According to a Kepak spokesperson, some affected employees are being redeployed into alternative roles, however, the decision has led to job losses.

“Kepak took the decision earlier this year to discontinue its supply of Slow Cooked product into the UK on a phased basis following a comprehensive strategic review. All customers have been informed, and we have been engaging constructively with potentially affected colleagues at Kepak Cork as part of a consultation in relation to the development.

“While we have sought to minimise the impact this will have on our colleagues, with some employees affected being redeployed into alternative roles, the development has unfortunately led to job losses. We are continuing to openly communicate with those affected and provide them with the support that they need,” the spokesperson said.

One of Ireland’s largest processors of beef, lamb and pork, Kepak-owned brands in the Slow Cooked market include Big Jake’s and Global Cuisine.

In 2012, Kepak Cork was reported as employing some 150 people in a business unit that processed a range of ‘Slow Cooked’ own label and branded consumer meats. At the time, the Slow Cooked businesses allegedly had a €40-million turnover, selling 17 million consumer-ready retail meat packs a year.